Taking the Kids: A spring break to please everyone

Eileen Ogintz, Tribune Content Agency on Feb 15, 2024

Plan now to see a rare total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Thousands of travelers will show up to see the moon’s shadow totally obscure the sun for less than five minutes within a three-hour period on this Monday afternoon. Texas, ground zero for both October 2023’s annular solar eclipse and the upcoming total solar eclipse, is one place to go. According to NASA mapping, states from New York to Ohio, Kentucky to Tennessee, Oklahoma and parts of Canada and Mexico are also ideal. See what your state — or one near yours — has planned.

Many families, ours included, like to take their pooch along when possible. Don’t be surprised if you see pampered pooches in the fanciest hotels like the Four Seasons, smaller hotels like Kimpton, and budget properties like Red Roof Inn. Thousands of hotels managed by the major hotel brands ( check out Pets Welcome for suggestions) now welcome dogs, and many have facilities for cats. Some accommodations provide dog beds and bowls, though our dogs have always preferred their own. Most hotels charge a pet fee unless your animal is certified as a support animal. Be forewarned that pets aren’t permitted on many national parks hiking trails, though you can find plenty of pet-friendly hikes nearby and pet welcoming places to stay and camp. (KOA’s feature dog parks!) Many vacation rentals, like The Redwoods in Yosemite also have pet- friendly cabins.

You still have time to grab a WAVE season deal on a cruise (book by the end of February) that could include kids free (Holland America and Princess among them while Norwegian is touting the second guest free) cabin upgrades and on-board credits. CruiseCritic.com posts an ongoing round-up of wave season deals.

Perhaps you are imagining yourselves on a beach, frothy drink in hand. Before you book that all-inclusive in the Caribbean or Mexico, consider whether you will really use all those amenities and activities you are paying for. Consider a beach escape closer to home. Virginia Beach with its sandy shores stretching for miles, is one great bet. (Explore the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge!) On the West Coast, once the weather has improved, San Diego is always a good bet with its combination of beaches, theme parks, the world-famous San Diego Zoo and museums. Have a fish taco for me!

Have fun out there!

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The fourth edition of The Kid’s Guide to New York City and the third edition of The Kid’s Guide to Washington D.C. are the latest in a series of 14 books for kid travelers published by Eileen.)